They Tried to Silence the Press? This is What Happened!

Another Day Another Power Play

Alright people Ripley here. You think you've seen it all after dealing with Xenomorphs? Think again. Seems like the clowns in Washington are at it again trying to muzzle the press. This time it involves the Associated Press and get this a disagreement over what to call the Gulf of Mexico. Seriously? It's like those corporate weasels back on LV 426 arguing over bonus structures while the crew gets face hugged. "Can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs," right? Except in this case the eggs are fundamental rights.

Houston We Have a Problem (With the Constitution)

So this Judge McFadden a Trump appointee of all people ruled that the White House can't bar AP reporters just because they didn't jump on board with renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The 'Gulf of America'? Give me a break. As if renaming a body of water is going to solve anything. It's all 'blah blah blah' with these guys just like the Company trying to cover up their shady dealings. The judge basically told them 'Hey you can't just let some reporters in and then slam the door on others because you don't like what they're saying.' Common sense right? Apparently not so common in the halls of power. Just like Ash acting all helpful when he was actually trying to get us all killed. 'A real people person.'

Freedom of the Press: More Than Just a Catchphrase

Julie Pace from the AP nailed it when she said it's about whether the government can control what you say. This isn't just about some silly name change. It's about the principle. Reminds me of when Burke tried to smuggle the Xenomorph embryos past quarantine. He thought he could control the narrative control the information. Turns out nature—or in this case the Constitution—has a way of biting back. "Did IQs just drop sharply while I was away?"

Deja Vu All Over Again

This isn't the first time the White House has tried to pull this kind of stunt. Apparently trying to silence journalists is a recurring theme. Remember the Playboy reporter and the CNN guy? It's like they never learn. It's the same old story: power corrupts and absolute power… well you know the rest. It's like watching the same chest bursting scene over and over again except this time it's our rights that are getting ripped apart. "I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."

The AP's Not Backing Down

Good on the AP for standing their ground. Lauren Easton's statement was spot on: this ruling affirms the right of the press and public to speak freely without government retaliation. It's a freedom guaranteed for all Americans. It's easy to get cynical to think that one person can't make a difference but look at this. They took on the White House and won. Just goes to show sometimes you gotta fight for what's right even when the odds are stacked against you. "What exactly are we supposed to do? Some kind of stand up fight?" Well yeah sometimes you do.

Stay Vigilant People!

So what's the takeaway? Don't let the bastards grind you down. Stay informed stay skeptical and don't let anyone—be it a power hungry politician or a corporate slimeball—tell you what to think or say. The fight for freedom is never really over you know? Just when you think you've killed the monster it comes back in a new uglier form. This whole situation it just proves one thing: "I may be a bitch but I'm alive."